Cleveland Branch ESU
16903 Fischer Road, Suite #1
Lakewood, OH 44107
216-228-3091 (phone & fax)
Updated May 27, 2008.
Contact us at:
cleveland@esuus.org
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| Jacqueline Gerber, WCLV & 2008 Shakespeare winners. R to L: 1st Pl., CJ Bonde; 3rd Pl., Sam Skove; 2nd Pl., Rachel Kinney. L to R: Hon. Mention, Xavier Reminick, Andrew Rossi, Jillian Tighe. |
| Scholarship Chairperson, Marguerite Harkness, presents Shakespeare teacher Al Bodigian of Independence with the 2008 BUSS Scholarship for study in England. |
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MISSION AND ORIGINS OF THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION
The English-Speaking Union of the United States is a non-profit, non-political, educational organization that promotes scholarship and advancement of knowledge through the effective use of English in an expanding global community. The ESU US, in New York City, implements programs through 74 US branches. ESU US shares a common mission with International ESU’s in more than 50 nations around the world from South America to Asia, Africa and Europe.
The English-Speaking Union of the Commonwealth was launched in London in 1918 by journalist (later to become Sir) Evelyn Wrench, with the aim of furthering friendship and understanding among English-speaking peoples around the world. He and like-minded American friends founded the English-Speaking Union of the United States in 1920, on the conviction that maintenance of the close personal and national ties forged during World War I was necessary for the preservation of peace. People sharing a common language would understand that they shared similar values, regardless of nationality or background.
Notable Chairmen of the ESU have included Sir Winston Churchill, of Britain, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, of the US.
ESU members provide financial support to sustain educational programs and participate in cultural and social events organized by local branches and National headquarters. Members attend branch events, host visiting speakers and scholars and coordinate branch participation in the ESU National Shakespeare Competition, scholarship and exchange programs, plus volunteer as English in Action tutors. Members can benefit greatly from the personal relationships and international contacts gained from ESU activities.
| HISTORY AND ACTIVITIES OF THE CLEVELAND BRANCH, ESU
[References: David D. Van Tassel and John J. Grabowski (ed.), The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History, Indiana University Press, 1987 and Cleveland Branch Archives]
The Cleveland Branch was founded in 1923. Its first president was John A. Penton, founder of the Penton Publishing Co. Branch headquarters were established in the Union Trust Building in 1925, under the leadership of officers David S. Ingalls (WWI flying ace and an early member of the law firm of Squire, Sanders and Dempsey), Charles E. Thwing (31-year president of Western Reserve University), Edith Charlesworth and Andrew Squire (founder of the firm bearing his name).
Headquarters were moved to the Citizens’ Building in 1929, under President Abram Garfield (son of US President James A. Garfield, architect with Frank Meade, VP and Vice Chairman of the Board of WRU, and son-in-law of the founder of Sherwin-Williams Co.). Abram Garfield remained Branch president through WWII. During that conflict, the ESU Committee for British War Relief supported the war effort through monetary and clothing donations, housing of exiled British children in Cleveland homes and with aid for French refugee relief.
The Branch disbanded at the war’s end, to be re-activated in 1960 under the presidency of Dr. Harlan Hamilton, Professor of English at WRU. The Branch helped sponsor the Winston Churchill Memorial Fund and the visits of HRH Prince Charles to Cleveland in 1964 and 1977.
Three years after ESU headquarters initiated the program in New York City schools, Cleveland Branch hosted the first ESU National Shakespeare Recitation Competition in 1986, with a medieval banquet honoring the young lords and ladies from all over the country. All subsequent National Competitions have been held in New York. Cleveland Branch also hosted a National ESU Conference in 1980 and two ESU Regional Conferences.
Cleveland Branch is renowned for two major fund-raisers that have over the years generated many thousands of dollars to support the Shakespeare Competition and other Scholarship programs. The “Queen’s Cuyahoga Cup Canoe Races” were 17 outrageous mad-cap boat races held from 1970-1991, spoofing the Henley-on-Thames Regatta. The elegant Beefeater’s Ball is held annually at Christmas time.
2008 SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION
Started with 500 students in New York City schools in 1983, the ESU’s Shakespeare Competition has grown to a national curriculum-based program that has now helped almost 250,000 high school students develop their understanding of Shakespeare -- the beauty and scope of his language as well as the timeless themes embodied in his works -- and their ability to communicate that understanding. Currently the program reaches 16,000 students and 2,000 teachers annually via Competitions run by 60 ESU branches across the US.
The Shakespeare Competition has been the primary educational program of the Cleveland Branch for over 20 years. In 2008, students from 27 Cuyahoga County public, private and parochial high schools presented dramatic recitations of selections from Shakespeare’s works. Cleveland public school participation continued to increase, with seven holding In-School Competitions this year . In-School winners competed in the Branch Finals on February 23, 2008 at the Cleveland Play House.
Our 2007-2008 Shakespeare Committee comprised John Moss, Chairman; Peter Manos, Coordinator; Tony Zupancic, Finals Judge Coordinator; Walter Oswald, In-School Volunteer Judge Coordinator; Jerry Grdina, Refreshments and Grant Applications; Marguerite Harkness & Dalma Takacs, Tabulations; Carol Engler, Registration; Janice Brooks, Publicity; plus John Harkness, Jean Rains and Julie Ketterer. We thank them and all the volunteer in-school judges and Finals Day volunteers for another fabulous Competition!
Please join us also in congratulating our 2008 Cleveland Finals Winners:
First Place, CJ Bonde of Charles Brush High School
CJ won a trip to the National Shakespeare Competition at Lincoln Center in New York in April, 2008, accompanied by her mother and an unprecedented TWO of four Brush High School teachers who had coached her. She performed well in this serious high-level competition with students from 60 other US branches.
ON-SCENE 2008 NATIONAL FINALS REPORT: The National 1st Place winner was awarded a four-week summer course at the British-American Drama Academy in England. The National 3rd Place winner comes from a home in which no English is spoken. All of the students found the Competition to be an “awesome experience, especially the other ‘theater geeks’”. All bonded well and were text messaging each other even before boarding planes to return home. The National competitors were also treated to acting workshops, a Broadway play, a boat cruise around Manhattan Island and a group sing of “Happy Birthday” to Will Shakespeare at the foot of his statue in Central Park. The National Finals is always held on a weekend near the Bard’s birthday (April 23).
Second Place, Rachel Kinney of Gilmour Academy
Third Place, Sam Skove of Hawken School
Honorable Mentions: Xavier Reminick of St. Edward High School, Andrew Rossi of St. Ignatius High School and Jillian Tighe of Mayfield High School.
We are extremely pleased that our 2008 Competition was completely financially self-sufficient. Foundation grants and in-kind contributions amounted to $5,000. Corporate grants totaled $1,500. Branch member contributions amounted to $4,150. Branch fund-raising events raised over $10,000, of which $7,000 was applied to Shakespeare. Many thanks to all those who supported this important educational program.
OTHER CLEVELAND BRANCH ACTIVITIES
Scholarship Committee
Branch Scholarship activities have always been diverse: grants to local teachers for outstanding classroom programs in English as a Second Language (ESL), funding publication of collections of classroom essays by ESL students and travel grants for selected students, teachers and theater directors.
Our Books Across the Sea (and Across the City) program sends quantities of English language children’s books to local schools in Africa, and provides many free books to needy students in Cleveland inner city schools.
BUSS Scholarship
The Scholarship Committee was authorized by the Board to grant a British University Summer School (BUSS) scholarship in 2008 to a Shakespeare Competition teacher for study in Britain.
Teacher Al Bogigian of Independence High School is our 2008 BUSS scholarship recipient. He will attend a three-week course, “Teaching Shakespeare Through Performance” at the Globe Theater in London.
The Board has also authorized a 2009 BUSS grant, the successful applicant to be announced at the February, 2009 Shakespeare Finals. Interested 2009 Shakespeare Competition teachers may contact the Scholarship Committee at 216-228-3091 or by e-mail to the Branch for a BUSS Application.
Walter Hines Page Scholar
The ESU in Britain awards the Walter Hines Page Scholarship to promote the exchange of international educational ideas that advance teaching and learning. Educators from Britain, Commonwealth countries and Central and South America come to the U.S. to study recent developments related to their academic field. Page Scholars visit regional branches, where they are provided with home hospitality and transportation to educational institutions addressing their particular research interests. Page Scholars often speak at a branch reception or dinner meeting and later provide a copy of their finished research report to their host branches.
Our 2007 Page Scholar, Mr. Richard Knights, from Liverpool, explored American approaches to closing the achievement gap in primary school student performance. We gratefully acknowledge the vital assistance of Branch member John Moss, then a member of the Cleveland School Board, for arranging a number of very informative city school visits for Mr. Knights.
Our 2008 Page Scholar was Mr. James Bannister, of Nottingham, who studied existing and experimental programs for successfully teaching English grammar and literature to disinterested youths from economically deprived backgrounds. Thanks to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District teachers and principals who shared their innovative personal approaches for educating inner city students in English, and to Lakewood City Academy and Entrepreneurial Preparatory School for explaining municipal school district-sponsored “charter school” approaches to intensified education of poor-performing students.
Evelyn Wrench Speaker
Evelyn Wrench Speakers address current events or subjects of cultural or historical interest. Regional tours of Evelyn Wrench Speakers are planned and underwritten by ESU National Headquarters with the cooperation and assistance of Regional Chairmen and the Branches.
Our 2008 Wrench Speaker was Mr. Oliver Everett, the former librarian of Windsor Castle, who once studied at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, OH.
English in Action
ESU National promotes English in Action at the branch level across the US. Member volunteers help newcomers to the US build self-confidence and skill in understanding and speaking the English language through one-on-one practice. Tutors are paired with adult learners, typically at a local educational institution. Many close international friendships have been created through English in Action contacts.
English in Action Chairperson, Marcy Nunn, is currently developing project opportunities. Information on how to participate can be obtained from the Branch at 216-228-3091.
The Tabard - Branch Newsletter
The Branch newsletter went unpublished for some time. A special edition was issued in 2006-2007 and we intend to continue this publication on a periodic basis as time and volunteer content contributors permit.
Members wishing to contribute Tabard articles reviewing Branch events or relating their travels to English-speaking lands, or personal photographs of ESU activities, are encouraged to call the Branch at 216-228-3091 or, better, to submit copy to us by e-mail at cleveland@esuus.org.
Memorial Gift Books to Cleveland Branch
Mr. Alex Martin, founder of the Ballet Guild of Cleveland, the forerunner of the Cleveland Ballet, died in 2006 at the age of 84. His executor and protégé, Mr. John Carey, donated Mr. Martin's large collection of books about English history, art and architecture to the Cleveland Branch of the ESU. These books are distributed via raffle and auction, to members and guests--as a way of memorializing Mr. Martin and of simultaneously raising funds for the Cleveland Branch. The books are also available for other Branch educational purposes. This gift came to us through Mr. Carey's contact with Dr. Henry Barlow, Past President of the Cleveland Branch.
We also acknowledge the 2008 donation of a small number of English history books from the estate of the late Robert Haws, courtesy of a business colleague of Immediate Past President, John Harkness.
WANTED – BOOKS! Cleveland Branch ESU wishes to grow this fledgling repository of books on British literary, cultural and historical topics to further support our fund-raising and educational programs. We encourage gifts from estates as well from the personal libraries of our members and friends who are down-sizing or simply need more space. Your gifts will serve as raffle prizes and awards at Branch events, as well as be given to Cleveland inner-city magnet schools emphasizing arts and architectural and design themes for addition to special school libraries and for teachers’ class-room use. This project is independent of our on-going Books Across the City children’s book program.
Anyone wishing to make such a unique gift may contact the Cleveland Branch at 216-228-3091. We will be happy to pick up your books. ESU is a 501(c)(3) organization, and your gift is tax deductible.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE BRANCH BOARD
The following major actions were implemented by your Board in 2007-2008 (not in chronological order):
Appointed Mary Hamlin, Bert Siegel, Mike Preston, Carole Rieck (as Secretary) and Landa Kovacik to Board terms ending June 30, 2008 (L. Kovacik has since resigned).
Appointed Doug Morey and Ed Harvey to vacancies on the Scholarship Trust.
Granted leave of absence to 1st VP, David Lowe.
Approved a 2008 Shakespeare Competition budget not to exceed $20,000.
Authorized a “Queen’s Cuyahoga Cup Canoe Race” on June 8, 2008, pending confirmation of financial viability. This event was subsequently cancelled for 2008 for primarily economic reasons.
Expanded the Membership Committee, who are working on a roster and new membership application; discussed options for membership growth.
Continued to explore English in Action opportunities for member volunteers to tutor in or at least financially support local English as a Second Language (or Literacy) programs.
Codified future funding of National and Regional Conference Branch delegate support – limited to President’s travel, lodging & registration and registration only for a second appointed delegate.
Approved the award of a 2008 British University Summer School (BUSS) Scholarship to teacher Al Bodigian of Independence High School and authorized granting of a 2009 BUSS Scholarship to a worthy Shakespeare Competition teacher applicant proposed by the Scholarship Committee.
Authorized a donation of up to $5000 to Third World Books (member, Bob Cheshier) for shipment of children’s books in English to selected African ports, as well as committing to providing Branch and/or guest volunteer help in packing books for shipment. 2006-07 book shipments went to Dominica, Tanzania, Russia, El Salvadore, Afghanistan and Kenya.
Authorized $250 to ship a selection of books in English on American democratic institutions to the St. Petersburg, Russia Branch of ESU International (per a request made by Russian guests at the 2007 ESU National Conference in Richmond, VA).
Authorized a $100 donation to WCPN’s British & Irish Hour on radio – acknowledging past and continuing coverage of Branch events.
Planned a very successful 2007 Beefeaters’ Ball, netting $10,600 for Scholarship/Shakespeare – many thanks to Phyllis Donnelly-Ingold for managing this event.
Conducted a membership poll on future Beefeaters’ Ball interests – location, format, etc.
Finalized plans and agenda for the 2008 ESU Region VI Conference in Cleveland.
Approved certain amendments to the Branch By-Laws and to the Scholarship Trust Agreement, to be finally approved by the general membership at the June, 2008 Annual Meeting.
Initiated planning of a Summer, 2008 Membership Party.
ESU CLEVELAND BRANCH 2007 ANNUAL MEETING of MEMBERS
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2007 LAKEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB
MINUTES OF MEETING
Shakespeare Competition Finalists: Preceding the business meeting, Tony Zupancic introduced two of the finalists, Rachel Kenney and Shanetta Dorsey, of the 2007 Competition and their guests. The finalists performed selections from Shakespeare's works. The Harknesses presented the finalists with books from their own collection: Diagilev and the Ballet Russe for dancer Rachel and a leatherbound, slipcased copy of The Royal Wedding Photo Album for Shanetta.
Call to Order: President Harkness called the business meeting to order at 1:40 PM.
Approval of June 25, 2006 Annual Meeting Minutes: After the amended minutes read "Mary Coleman" instead of "May Coleman," Bill Harkins moved and Rita Huebner seconded that the minutes be approved. Motion passed.
Treasurer's Report: Ed Harvey reported Cash Assets of $13,408.66 with $5,338.83 due the Scholarship Trust, a General Fund Balance of $8,069.83 and year-to-date income of ($364.50).
Membership: The Branch membership currently stands at 112 [counting couples as one unit].
President's State of the Branch Remarks: President Harkness praised his Board for their support during the past year and recapitulated the year's considerable accomplishments:
An aggressive member retention effort
Representation at ESU Regional and National Conferences
Development of Branch email address and a website linked to National's website
Revival of an original major fund-raiser, the Queen's Cuyahoga Cup Canoe Races
Shakespeare Competition: Chair John Rampe reported on the success of the 2007 competition, with special thanks to Terri Peto, Phyllis Donley-Ingold and Marguerite Harkness. He also thanked the Friends of the Cleveland Public Library, who paid for the breakfast and lunches served and supplied competition judges.
Motion from the Floor: Jerry Grdina moved and Peter Paslawski seconded that the incoming President take office immediately following his/her election to the position and that the incoming President preside over the remainder of the business meeting. Motion passed.
Nominating Committee: On behalf of Committee members Jean Rains, John Moss and Burt Siegel, Chair Bill Harkins proposed the following slate for officer positions:
Officers for a one-year term ending June 30, 2008:
President John Rampe
1st Vice President David Lowe
2nd Vice President Jerry Grdina
Secretary Carole Clement
Treasurer Ed Harvey
As no nominations came from the floor, it was moved and seconded that the nominations be closed and the slate be approved. Motion passed by voice vote with no opposing votes heard.
President's Remarks: New President Rampe reflected on the serious work ahead for the Branch, work that requires a unified membership in which members apply their individual passions and talents to common goals. Of primary importance is the need to increase membership. Rampe seeks five hard-working people to fill Board seats.
New Business--Members' Comments/Suggestions: Past President Doug Mory, architect of the Scholarship Trust in 1987, addressed the group from the podium. He underscored Rampe's concern about membership, citing National's figures of 13,000 members in 1998 dwindling to 8,000 today. Mory made two well-received suggestions: that communications between the Board and Branch members be improved and that the Board develop and codify guidelines and procedures for conducting Board business.
Other members' constructive suggestions for the Board included sending the Nominating Committee's proposed slate to members prior to Annual Meeting, sending members interim reports about what the Board is doing and where the Board needs help, holding an interim meeting with members and posting Board meeting minutes on the Branch website.
Landa Kovacik, Mary Hamlin and Rebecca Simon offered their assistance to the Board.
ADJOURNMENT: Henry Barlow moved and Peter Paslawski seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Motion passed at 2:45 PM.
Submitted by: Carol Clement, Secretary
Approved by: John Rampe, President
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